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Sex Differences in Competitiveness in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs)
Robert O Deaner1, Lucretia C Dunlap2, April Bleske-Rechek3
1Department of Psychology, 1142Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, USA.
Summary
Men and women exhibit distinct competitive behaviors in online games, with differences largely reflecting evolved predispositions rather than social roles. These findings challenge social role theory in virtual environments.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Established sex differences exist in competitive tactics.
- Social Role Theory (SRT) posits that societal roles and expectations influence these differences.
- Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) offer a unique environment to study behavior detached from real-world social roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of social roles on sex differences in competitive behaviors within MMORPGs.
- To test whether avatar characteristics (sex, role) mediate observed sex differences in competitiveness.
- To explore the underlying drivers of sex differences in online competitive strategies.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed MMORPG players on platforms like MTurk and Reddit.
- Collected data on the frequency of engaging in five specific competitive behaviors.
- Recorded players' self-reported sex and their primary avatar's sex and role.
Main Results:
- Significant sex differences in competitive behaviors were observed, aligning with general patterns.
- Men were more likely to engage in player-versus-player duels, solo difficult content, and acquire expensive items.
- Women were more likely to seek in-game awards and spend real-world money on microtransactions.
- These sex differences were largely independent of the avatar's sex or role, contradicting SRT predictions.
- Observed differences suggest evolved predispositions rather than social role influences.
Conclusions:
- Sex differences in competitive behaviors within MMORPGs are robust.
- Findings challenge the applicability of Social Role Theory in explaining these differences in virtual contexts.
- Results support the hypothesis that evolved predispositions play a significant role in shaping sex-based competitive strategies.
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